As New Year's Day fast approaches, many Utahns are thinking about how they want to improve themselves. They may try to lose weight, finally start that novel they've been talking about for three years, build that shed or take up a new hobby.

Here's another idea: Why not resolve to be ready in 2012? Ready for what? Disaster.

Across the nation in 2011, we saw winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes. Since late 2010, Utah has had two flooding events that led to Presidential Disaster Declarations. The Dec. 1 windstorm that struck Davis County knocked out power and overturned semitrailers. Since last week, Utah has registered 11 tiny earthquakes. We expect hundreds of small earthquakes to occur in Utah each year and we're overdue for the "Big One."

Why not resolve now to prepare yourself and your family to survive a disaster? There are simple steps you can take. Start by clicking around BeReadyUtah.gov to learn preparedness tips in the following areas.

Make a plan - What should you do in an earthquake? What if you have to evacuate your home?

Get a kit - Learn about what should go into a kit you can grab if you have to flee.

Be informed - Mother Nature has a lot of possible disasters up her sleeves. Learn about which ones can affect you.

Get involved - In a disaster, expect help to come from neighbors. How can your neighborhood get prepared?

ShakeOut, Don't Freak Out - Register to join the Great Utah ShakeOut, happening at 10:15 a.m. on April 17, 2012. It's the state's largest earthquake drill ever. Join 700,000 Utahns who will drop, cover and hold on while practicing their emergency plans. Visit ShakeOut.org/Utah to register.

Daily preparedness tips are always available if you follow us on Twitter @BeReadyUtah.